The sad truth is that I cannot run right now. The pain that began in my groin or hip flexor hasn't fully abated and, in fact, it has transversed across my anterior right thigh ending in a painful, vice-like grip above the outside of my right knee. There is pain that you can run through and ice and there is pain that annoys you while you turn over in your sleep and walk up the stairs at work. Essentially, a discomfort that does not go away. This is not "normal". With enough training and patience and adherence to good form, one should be able to train for a marathon without feeling awful on a daily basis.
Sure, I can slow down, cut back on my mileage or take longer rest periods but that only alleviates the problem---it does not solve it. At this point I have not run since my 6 miles outside on Tuesday morning. It frightens the bejeezus out of me to take time off at this point in the game but I have no other choice. I met with my team mentor and some other folks last night and they all said that if I could run 9 and 10 miles (as I did the last two Saturdays) then I would be able to finish the half marathon, even with time off. They assured me that my training combined with the excitement of race day would carry me to the finish line. I have a hard time trusting in that but they are experienced runners.
Looking ahead, I have an appointment with a doctor at the University of Michigan's Sports Medicine clinic on Monday afternoon. Hopefully they can determine if my problem is a biomechanical issue or something else. I will not be running the scheduled 11 miles this Saturday morning. Hopefully I can still get to the gym and try something in the pool. The elliptical and the bike are both out as possible alternatives. I am trying to stay positive. There is no sense in assuming that I am on a path towards the most bleak diagnosis. I have come this far and I will make it to the finish line. Perhaps at a slower pace but I'll make it.
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